“A contractor who doesn’t know what he’s doing can contaminate an entire house with lead particles and asbestos,” says Frank Carrasco, owner of Carrasco Construction in Concord. “Not only can it end up costing you a lot of money, but it can create a health hazard for you and your family.”
If your house was built before 1978, there’s a good chance it contains some form of lead-based paint. Removing it is a relatively straightforward process, but it requires the expertise and knowledge of a trained professional, so don’t try it yourself. However, there are several preventive measures you can take to reduce the harmful effects of lead-based paint in your home:
• Wipe down flat surfaces (walls, window sills) with a damp paper towel.
• Use a damp mop on your floors every week to control dust.
• Clean or remove your shoes before entering your home to avoid tracking in lead-contaminated soil.
• Vacuum carpets and upholstery to remove dust.
• If possible, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter or a “higher efficiency” collection bag.
• Carefully pick up loose paint chips with a paper towel and discard in the trash, then wipe the surface clean with a wet paper towel.
• Have a professional test for lead hazards in the soil around your house.
• If you rent, immediately notify your landlord if you notice any peeling or chipping paint.
If you’re remodeling or renovating a home with lead-based paint, make sure you take the necessary precautions before you or your contractor begin any work that disturbs painted surfaces, like scraping off paint or tearing out walls. Here are some basic tips to follow:
• Don’t use a belt sander, propane torch, high temperature heat gun, dry scraper or dry sandpaper to remove lead-based paint. Using these tools can create large amounts of lead dust and fumes, which can be extremely toxic and remain in your home long after the work is done.
• Temporarily move your family (especially children and pregnant women) out of the house until the work is done and the area is properly cleaned. If you can’t move your family, at least completely seal off the work area.
